During the political stand-off there were bloody clashes and targeted killings in Abidjan in the south, and several hundred people were massacred in the western town of Duekoue.

Prosecutors said Mr Gbagbo had clung to power “by all means” and charged him with four counts of crimes against humanity, murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and “other inhuman acts”.

He denied the charges, which he said were politically motivated.

ICC judges ruled last month that he had no case to answer and ordered his immediate release.

Will he be free to return home?

Prosecutors appealed and argued that the former leader presented a flight risk and might not return to The Hague for the appeal.